Venezuela has written a historic chapter in international baseball by qualifying for the final of the World Baseball Classic for the first time, where they will face the United States this Tuesday at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
The South American team secured their passage after defeating Italy 4-2 in the semifinals, in a match that was decided by a crucial comeback in the seventh inning, which unleashed the euphoria of thousands of Venezuelan fans present at the stadium.
Decisive comeback on the path to history
Italy had taken an early lead of 2-0, but Venezuela responded at the right moment. With two outs in the seventh inning, Jackson Chourio hit a single to place runners on the corners and ignite the offense.
Subsequently, Ronald Acuña Jr. tied the game with a hit to left field, before Maikel García and Luis Arráez completed a rally of three runs that ultimately determined the outcome of the game, as detailed in the recap of the match between Venezuela and Italy.
The comeback not only changed the score, but also the atmosphere in the stadium, where the Venezuelan fans turned the match into a celebration filled with flags and constant support from the stands.
A historic milestone for a country with a deep baseball tradition
Despite being one of the great sources of talent in Major League Baseball, Venezuela had never reached a final in the World Baseball Classic. This progress marks a milestone for the national team.
On their way to the final, the Venezuelans also eliminated the reigning champion, Japan, in the quarterfinals and secured their place with a victory over Italy, which was highlighted by the tournament's official account stating that Venezuela was advancing to the title game.
Final against the United States
The championship rival will be the United States. The matchup has been confirmed in the elimination bracket shared by the tournament, which shows that the final will feature Venezuela and the U.S. The match will determine the champion of the 2026 World Baseball Classic in a showdown between two teams with prominent figures from Major League Baseball.
Reactions after the qualification
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, reacted to the result with a message posted on his Truth Social network: “Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight 4-2 in the World Baseball Classic (baseball!). They are really playing very well. Good things have been happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what all this magic is about. Statehood, number 51, anyone? President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
For her part, Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, celebrated the victory and the team's progress with a message on social media: “Go Venezuela! Our National Team continues to make history by defeating Italy and reaching the grand final of the World Baseball Classic. Thank you for filling the entire country with joy and pride. See you tomorrow in a sports face-off against the USA.”
Rodríguez also added: “Celebrating, Venezuela is all celebrating, for the first time we have made it to the finals of the World Baseball Classic, and tomorrow will be a healthy contest face to face with the United States, go Venezuela! Guys, we are going to welcome them here as what they already are, champions.”
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